The Children's Services in Bromley have been recognised as 'outstanding' in all areas, following a recent Ofsted inspection.
The Ofsted report gave Bromley Children's Services the highest possible overall rating, concluding that the borough's children are benefitting from "exceptionally strong services".
Under the new inspection framework introduced by Ofsted in 2022, Bromley is only the third local authority to achieve an 'outstanding' rating.
To date, only eight local authorities have attained an ‘outstanding’ rating - this includes those assessed prior to the revised criteria.
Speaking on this success, Councillor Kate Lymer, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Children, Education and Families, said: "This outstanding result is testament to the hard work of so many people.
"Reading words or phrases in the report such as ‘impressive, high quality, highly effective, successful and excellent service in our multiple service areas underlines what is being achieved.
"I want to thank our hardworking staff for their passion, dedication and brilliance and that of our police and health partners too.
"This work literally impacts on future generations.
"We want to see all our children reach their full potential in as many ways as possible which is why we remain ambitious for our children and we will remain resolutely focussed on this."
Bromley’s Children’s Services received the esteemed 'outstanding' rating in all four inspection areas.
The four areas assessed included: the impact of leaders on social work practice with children and families, the experiences and progress of children who need help and protection, and the experiences and progress of children in care.
According to the Ofsted report, the children of Bromley benefit from these highly-effective services as a consequence of continuous improvement in practice since the previous inspection in 2018.
The report said: "Impressive strategic and operational leadership, allied with strong corporate and political commitment, has led to a shared vision and momentum for children’s services."
According to inspectors, leaders at the Children's Services regularly and extensively engage with children, families and partners, fostering "confidence and commitment" from their partners.
The report also noted that, in tackling areas of improvement identified at the previous inspection, leaders have transformed these into areas of strength, with ongoing plans to continue to improve practices.
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